Summer is a beautiful time to eat with the seasons—produce is at its peak, farmers markets are buzzing, and your plate can be as colorful as a sunset. But eating seasonally isn’t just trendy; it’s a great way to enjoy better flavor, higher nutrients, and often lower prices.
Not sure what’s in season during the summer months? Here’s a guide to summer fruits and veggies that are ripe, fresh, and ready to shine in your kitchen.
Why Eat Seasonally?
• Better Taste: Produce that’s harvested at peak ripeness is more flavorful and vibrant.
• More Nutrients: Fruits and veggies begin to lose nutrients once harvested. Eating seasonally often means they’re fresher and more nutrient-dense.
• Lower Cost: In-season produce is more abundant and often cheaper, especially at local markets.
• Eco-Friendly: Seasonal foods require less energy to grow and transport, which lowers your environmental impact.
Fruits in Season (June–August)
1. Berries
• Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
Perfect for snacking, tossing in salads, or blending into smoothies.
2. Stone Fruits
• Peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, cherries
Juicy and sweet—eat them fresh, grilled, or in baked treats.
3. Melons
• Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew
High in water content = super hydrating and refreshing.
4. Grapes
Chilled grapes are a delicious summer snack—try freezing them for a cool treat!
5. Figs
Short season, big flavor. Great with cheese, in salads, or on toast.
6. Mangoes & Pineapple
Depending on your region, tropical fruits may also peak in early summer.
Vegetables in Season (June–August)
1. Tomatoes
Nothing beats a summer tomato—rich in flavor and great raw or roasted.
2. Corn
Grilled, boiled, or straight off the cob—sweet corn is a summer must.
3. Zucchini & Yellow Squash
Versatile, fast-cooking, and great for sautés, grilling, or spiralizing.
4. Cucumbers
Crisp, cooling, and perfect for salads or infused water.
5. Bell Peppers
Bright, crunchy, and rich in vitamin C—eat them raw or roasted.
6. Eggplant
Soaks up flavor beautifully. Try it grilled, roasted, or in pasta dishes.
7. Green Beans
Delicious sautéed or steamed with garlic and lemon.
8. Okra
Great for Southern-style cooking or crispy roasting.
Tips for Shopping & Eating Summer Produce
• Visit your local farmers market early in the morning for the best selection.
• Store berries unwashed in the fridge and wash just before eating.
• Freeze extra fruit (especially berries and peaches) for smoothies or baking later.
• Grill your veggies for a smoky, summer flavor—especially corn, zucchini, and peppers.
• Try fruit in savory dishes like peach salsa, strawberry spinach salad, or grilled watermelon with feta.
Eating in season is one of the simplest ways to support your health, your taste buds, and local agriculture. Whether you’re whipping up a fresh salad, sipping a summer smoothie, or tossing fruit into your yogurt, these vibrant picks will bring summer sunshine to every bite.
What’s your favorite summer fruit or veggie? Let me know in the comments!
Fork and Corks 
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